Articles such as displays formed of flexible creasable sheets



R. E. PAIGE Sept. 20, 1966 ARTICLES SUCH AS DISPLAYS F RMED OF FLEXIBLE CREASABLE SHEETS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 15, 1964 INVENTOR Era/44o E. PAIGE ATTORNEY Sept. 20, 1966 R. E. PAIGE 3,273,272

ARTICLES SUCH AS DISPLAYS FORMED OF FLEXIBLE CREASABLE SHEETS Filed July 15, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 1 12/010150 E. PAIGE BYg a ATTORNEY Sept. 20, 1966 R. E. PAIGE 3,273,272

ARTICLES SUCH AS DISPLAYS FORMED OF FLEXIBLE CREASABLE SHEETS Filed July 15, 1964 4 $heetsSheet 5 l l I Fla/I Eloy/W0 E. PAIGE ATTORNEY R. E. PAIGE Sept. 20, 1966 ARTICLES SUCH AS DISPLAYS FORMED OF FLEXIBLE GREASABLE SHEETS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 15, 1964 FIG. /3

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United States Patent T 3,273,272 ARTICLES SUCH AS DHSPLAYS FORMED 0F FLEXIBLE CREASABLE SHEETS Richard E. Paige, New York, N.Y., assignor to Paper Products Development Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New Jersey Filed .Iuly 15, 1964, Ser. No. 382,712 13 Claims. (tCl. 40124.1)

This invention relates generally to the art of folding paperboard or equivalent flexible, creasable sheets, and to articles, such as display devices, composed of such material. It has particular reference to an improved type of display which is entirely, or in large measure, self sustaining.

It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved article of paperboard or the like, employing a new principle of creasing and folding. A more particular object is to provide an article in the form of a paperboard display that can be manufactured at low cost, shipped and stored in relatively compact condition, capable of being readily set-up in to operative condition without requiring any special tools or skill, and unusually attractive and effective from an attention-arresting standpoint.

The novel type of display article is characterized by the provision of a pair of main display areas, one being disposed in a generally vertical or upright disposition, the other protruding forwardly from it. The device is made of an element of paperboard or similar flexible sheet material, shaped and scored in such a way that by employing the new folding principle the desired display is readily created, and to a certain extend tends to adjust itself, automatically, to the set-up condition.

An important advantageous feature of the device resides in the fact that no adhesive of any kind is employed. To create a similar display by ordinary methods heretofore employed, a number of separate elements or sheets would be required, and pasting or equivalent operations would be called for.

A characteristic feature of the element or sheet of which the new display is made resides in the fact that the two main areas lie on opposite sides of an intermediate area, there being a crease line between the intermediate area and each of the adjacent main areas; the crease lines converge at opposite ends to points of intersection; the sheet is foldable on one of the crease lines so that the intermediate area comes into overlying relation to the adjacent part of one of the main areas, the sheet being folded in the opposite direction along the other crease line; and the opposite end regions of the overlying parts being defiectable into angular dispositions which bring their pointed ends nearer together and compel the display to assume the desired condition in which an upright main area is retained at an angle to a forwardlyextending main area.

The display devices contemplated by the invention are the type which are used for advertising purposes in store windows, on counters, in super-markets, and other public places, and the invention permits the displays to be made of any desired size. It lends itself admirably to modifications which make it possible to create a large variety of different shapes, contours, and attention-getting panels and areas. Some of the features of the invention are not restricted to advertising purposes, however, and are more widely applicable to articles, in general, composed of flexible creasable sheet material.

Several embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which- FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank embodying the features of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a similar view showing a first step in folding the element;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation of the folded. element shown in FIGURE 2, with a further procedural step indicated;

FIG. 4 is a prospective view of the display in fully set-up condition, with part of it broken away for explanatory purposes;

FIGURES 5 and 6 are similar to FIGURES 1 and 4, respectively, illustrating a modification;

FIGURES 7 and 8 are similar to FIGURES 1 and 4, respectively, illustrating another modification;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank of modified nature;

FIG. 10 is a prospective view of the element of FIG- URE 9 in its set-up condition, parts being broken away;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a blank showing a further modification;

FIG. 12 is a prospective view of the blank of FIGURE 11 in its set-up condition;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view substantially alongthe line 13-13 of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 is a view of the display of FIGURES l2 and 13 as viewed from below.

In the device chosen for illustration in FIGURES 1-4, the flat blank 20 of bendable sheet material, such as paperboard, is provided with a pair of spaced transverse crease lines 21 and 22 defining a relatively large substantially rectangular main area 23, a somewhat smaller trapezoidal main area 24, and an intermediate area 25 lying between the lines 21, 22. The line 21 is straight throughout its entire length, extending between points 26 and 27 on the opposite side edges of the element 20. The crease 22 has a central region which is straight and which lies parallel to the crease 21, and it has end sections 28 which are straight but are not alined with the central section of the crease 22. The sections 28 extend at an angle to the points 26 and 27, respectively.

A pair of transverse spaced crease lines 29 and 30 extend across the crease lines 21, 22. These creases are shown parallel to each other from the upper margin of the element 20 to the points 31 at which they intersect the crease line 22; and they diverge slightly, as shown at 32 and 33 to define the side edges of the trapezoidal main area 24.

The transverse crease lines 29-32 and 30-33 define lateral wings on each of the main areas 23, 24. Thus, the area 23 is provided with lateral wings 34 while the main area 24 is provided with lateral wings 35 which happen to have been shown of a triangular shape.

It is advantageous, but not essential, that each of the crease lines 29 and 30 be formed as cuts, extending completely through the thickness of the blank 20, in the area between the creases 21 and 22.

If the lower part of the element 20 of FIGURE 1 is folded upwardly along the line 21, as indicated in FIG- URE 2, the intermediate area 25 will be brought into overlying relationship to the adjacent margin on the main area 23. If the blank is then folded in the opposite direction along the line 22, as indicated in FIGURE 3, the convergence of the two crease lines 21 and 22 toward the opposite pointsof intersection 26, 27 will compel the areas23 and 24 to assume angular dispositions, as indicated by the arrow in FIGURE 3. If, finally, the opposite end sections of the overlying areas adjacent to the points 26 and 27 be deflected rearwardly (so that the points 26 and 27 are brought nearer together) the blank will assume the condition shown in FIGURE 4. In this condition, the overlying parts are constrained to remain so, and the main areas 23 and 24 will be compelled to remain in the transverse relationship to each other shown in FIGURE 4.

The device shown in FIGURE 4 is entirely self-sustain- Patented Sept. 20, 1966 ing. Thus it will be seen that, without any glue or paste and without any extraneous supports or fasteners, the single flat element of FIGURE 1 is adapted to be adjusted, by the new folding principle, to an attractive display. Any desired areas of this display may be imprinted with advertising or ornamentation, as will be readily understood. Also, external contours may be imparted, as may be desired, to create a variety of different effects.

The embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG- URES 5 and 6 is substantially the same, except for the external contours of the blank 36 and the arrangement of the spaced pair of transverse crease lines 37 and 38. As before, the element 36 is provided with a pair of spaced crease lines 39 and 40 defining a main area 41, a main area 42, and an intermediate area 43. The crease line 39 is straight throughout its extent. The crease line 40 has a middle section parallel to the line 39 and end sections 44 that are straight and that converge toward the points of intersection 4S and 46 with the crease line 39. The transverse lines 37 and 38 converge as they approach the crease line 39, thus imparting a trapezoidal contour to the main area 41 and providing lateral wings 47 on this area. From the points 48, at which the lines 37 and 38 meet the crease 39, they extend divergently along straight lines 49 and 50 to the lower edge of the blank 36. The lines 49 and 50 form lateral wings 51 on the main area 42.

This blank can be folded in the manner hereinbefore described in connection with FIGURES 1-4. The lower part is first folded up along the line 39 to bring the intermediate area 43 into overlying relation to the adjacent part of the area 41. The crease 40 is then folded in the opposite direction; and the ends 45 and 46 are brought nearer together by a rearward deflection of the overlying parts whereby a display such as that shown in FIGURE 6 is created. It is entirely self-sustaining and it differs from that shown in FIGURE 4, the shape of the upright main panel 41 and the shape of the lateral wings 47 extending from it.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG- URES 7 and 8, the element 52 is provided with crease lines 53 and 54 defining a main area 55, a main area 56, and an intermediate area 57. The crease 53 is straight, while the crease 54 has straight sections extending from a mid-point 58 to points of intersection 59 and 60 with crease line 53 at the opposite ends of the latter. Only a single transverse crease line 61 intersects the lines 53, 54. It passes through the mid-point 58 and divides the main area 55 into a pair of adjacent lateral areas 62 and divides the main area 56 into a pair of adjacent lateral areas 63. In setting up the display, the area 57 is folded up along crease line 53 to bring it into overlying relation to the areas above it. The blank is then folded in the opposite direction along the crease line 54, and the overlying parts are deflected rearwardly to bring the points of intersection 59, 60 closer together and thus constrain the overlying areas to remain so and compel the main areas to assume the angularly related positions shown in FIGURE 8. The device is self-sustaining in this set-up condition.

The upper main area is in this case modifiable in various ways without affecting the basic nature of the device. By way of example, score or fold lines 64 have been shown, converging to a medial point 65. The two inner lines 64 are to be folded in one direction, the outer lines in the opposite direction. This permits a triangular display area 66 to stand out in a striking manner, the lateral triangular areas 67 lying beneath or behind it. Because the lines 64 form no part of the present invention and merely illustrate the possibilities inherent in the provision of an upright display area associated with a forwardly directed base" area, dot-and-dash lines have been used in FIGURES 7 and 8.

Under certain circumstances it may be desirable to improve the sturdiness of the device in set-up condition by providing positive meansfor retaining the opposite ends of the medial band of overlying layers in deflected positions. Examples of such means are depicted in FIG- URES 9 and 10 (a fourth embodiment of the invention) and in FIGURES l114 (a fifth embodiment).

In basic nature, the display structure of FIGURES 9 and 10 is the same as those previously described. A pair of spaced crease lines 68 and 69 are provided in the ele ment 70, converging at their ends to points of intersection 71 and 72. The line 68 is straight throughout, while the line 69 has end sections 73 at an angle to the central part of the line. The main upright area is shown above the line 68 and is designated 74. The area 75 is an intermediate area, and the other main area is designated 76. A pair of spaced transverse lines 77 extend in parallel relationship from the upper edge of the blank to the lower edge 78 of the area 76. The crease lines 77 define lateral wings 79 on the area 74 and lateral wings 80 on the area 7 6.

The device is folded into the set-up condition of FIG. 10 in the manner heretofore described. To help support the structure in this condition, the wings 79 are provided with a means for interengaging them, to retain them in the deflected condition shown in FIG. 10. For this purpose the wings are provided with tabs 81 hinged at 82 and provided at their free ends with end regions 83 configured to interlock with each other. Slits or notches 84 make it possible to achieve this result, as indicated in FIGURE 10.

Similarly, a special end fla-p 85 is hinged to the main area 76 along the crease line 78, and the flap 85 is provided with hooked ends 86 adapted to interlock with the adjacent pair of Wings 80. To achieve this result, the wings are provided with sli-ts 87 with which the tabs at the ends 86 can interengage as shown in FIG. 10.

Another way of achieving the basic advantages of the invention, and to provide a display of unusual attractiveness, is shown in FIGURES l114. In this case, the spaced crease lines in the blank are designated 88 and 89. The line 88 is straight, and extends between the side edges of the main area 90. The line 89 is curved and intersects the line 88 at its ends 91 and 92. The area between the lines 88, 89 is an intermediate area 92, and the area below the curved crease line 89 is the other main area 93.

In this case, the area 93 is provided with an additional curved crease line 94, symmetrical with but opposite in curvature in relation to the crease line 89. Hinged to the side edges 95 of the area 93 are lateral areas 96 provided with tabs 97 having end regions 98 adapted to interlock with each other. Slits or notches 99 achieve this result, as best indicated in FIGURE 14.

When the display of FIGURES 1ll4 is to be set-up, the parts are folded as before, the crease 88 being folded to bring the intermediate area 92 into overlying relation to the main area 90, and the crease 89 being folded in the opposite direction to bring the area 93 into the forwardly projecting disposition best shown in FIGURES 12 and 13. To rigidify this area, it is simultaneously folded along the curved line 94, so that the region 100 assumes the upright concaved disposition shown in FIGURE 12. This folding of the parts is accompanied by a deflection of the points of intersection 91, 92 into closer proximity, and this not only constrains the overlying parts to remain in an overlying condition, but it compels the panel 90 to assume the forwardly bulging position shown in FIG- URES 12 and 14, and to lie at an angle to the other main area 93, as depicted.

To assist in holding the parts in the condition shown in FIGURES 1214, the areas 96 are folded toward each other beneath the display, and the end regions 98 are interlocked.

It will be noted that in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES 11-14 there are no transverse crease lines intersecting the basic crease lines 88, 89. They are unnecessary where a curvature is imparted to one of the lines (in this case, line 89) because this curvature compels the upper area 90 to assume a position analagous to that assumed in other embodiments by the main area and the lateral Wings hinged to it.

In general it will be understood that the displays may be modified in numerous respects without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the details herein described and illustrated may be considered to be merely illustrative.

What is claimed is:

1. In a self-sustaining display made of a flexible oreasable sheet, a pair of adjacent crease lines dividing the sheet into two main areas and an intermediate area between the crease lines, said crease lines converging to points of intersection at opposite ends of the in-mrmediate area, said sheet being folded on one of said crease lines so that said intermediate area overlies the adjacent part of one of said main areas, said sheet being folded in the opposite direction along the other of said crease lines, the opposite end regions of said overlying parts being deflected into angular dispositions which bring their pointed ends nearer together, said deflection constraining said overlying parts to remain so and compelling said main areas to lie in transverse relationship to each other.

2. A display as defined in claim 1, in which said sheet is also provided with a medial crease line extending across said first-named crease lines and dividing said main areas into pairs of adjacent lateral areas, said sheet being folded on said medial crease line to deflect said end regions as described and to deflect said pairs of lateral areas in the same way.

3. A display as defined in claim 1, in which said sheet is also provided with a pair of spaced transverse crease lines extending across said first-named crease lines to form lateral wings on each of said main areas, said sheet being folded on said transverse crease lines to deflect said end regions as described and to deflect said wings in the same way.

4. A display as defined in claim 3, in which means is provided for retaining said end regions and wings in deflected condition.

5. A display as defined in claim 3, in which means is provided for interengaging the lateral wings of each main area to retain said end regions and wings in deflected condition.

6. A display as defined in claim 5, said means comprising tabs carried by one pair of wings and provided with end regions configured to interlock with each other.

7. A display as defined in claim 5, said means comprising an end flap hinged to one of said main areas, and interlocking tabs carried by said end flap and the adjacent pair of wings.

8. A display as defined in claim 1, in which means is provided for retaining said end regions in deflected condition.

9. A display as defined in claim 8, said means comprising lateral areas carried by and hinged to one of said main areas, and tabs carried by said lateral areas and provided with end regions configured to interlock with each other.

It). A display as defined in claim 1, in which one of said crease lines is straight and the other is curved.

11. A display "as defined in claim 1, in which one of said crease lines is straight and the other has a medial section that is also straight and is parallel to the first-named crease line, and end sections that are straight and converge toward said points of intersection.

12. A display as defined in claim 2, in which one of said first-named crease lines is straight and the other has straight sections oblique to each other and extending from said medial crease line to said points of intersection.

13. A paperboard structure comprising a flat blank scored on its rear surface to permit the lower part of the blank to fold up and overlie the upper pant, said blank being scored on its front surface along a line in front of the first-named score line to permit said lower part of the blank to fold down, leaving the areas directly alongside said rear score line in overlying relation, said overlying areas being deflected at their ends out of the normal plane of the blank thereby constraining said upper part of the blank to assume an upright disposition and the lower part to define a base extending forwardly from said upright part and maintaining the parts in said relationship.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,139,822 12/1938 Harris 40-126 2,506,461 5/1950 Leach 40-124.1 2,530,950 11/1950 Ebert et al 40124.1 2,720,046 10/1955 Decker 40---124.1

EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A SELF-SUSTAINING DISPLAY MADE OF A FLEXIBLE CREASABLE SHEET, A PAIR OF ADJACENT CREASE LINES DIVIDING THE SHEET INTO TWO MAIN AREAS AND AN INTERMEDIATE AREA BETWEEN THE CREASE LINES, SAID CREASE LINES CONVERGING TO POINTS OF INTERSECTION AT OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE INTERMEDIATE AREA, SAID SHEET BEING FOLDED ON ONE OF SAID CREASE LINES SO THAT SAID INTERMEDIATE ARE OVERLIES THE ADJACENT PART OF ONE OF SAID MAIN AREAS, SAID SHEET BEING FOLDED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ALONG THE OTHER OF SAID CREASE LINES, THE OPPOSITE END REGIONS OF SAID OVERLYING PARTS BEING DEFLECTED INTO ANGULAR DISPOSITIONS WHICH BRING THEIR POINTED ENDS NEARER TOGETHER, SAID DEFLECTION CONSTRAINING SAID OVERLYING PARTS TO REMAIN SO AND COMPELLING SAID MAIN AREAS TO LIE IN TRANSVERSE RELATIONSHIP TO EACH OTHER. 